Mangalore : A tree planting programme was conducted on Monday (July 26) at the Central (Nehru) Maidan under the auspices of Agrigold estates, on their Foundation Day celebrated annually since 1995.

The firm has distributed in bygone years, books, medicines and fruits to students, children and hospital patients. But this year, it intends to distribute 100 lakhs of saplings for Green India and for greening coastal regions, so this morning a beginning was made by its Branch Manager, by planting a saplings at the hands of P.S. Devadiga, chief  Development Commissioner.

Speaking on the occasion, the guest stated that we need both progress and green areas. By planting saplings in barren areas, we protect our ecology and prevent pollution. We have a duty to the future generations to give them fresh air, water and light, thereby ensuring their health as well, he added.

Conservation of forest areas and trees in city and suburbs is every citizen’s duty and should not be left to the Forest Deptt alone, Devadiga advised the gathering.

In his presidential address, the Deputy Commissioner for conservation of forests Jaya called upon citizens to celebrate their birthdays by planting saplings that give shade, flowers, fruits and timber in course of time. She asked people to be tree – friendly.

Mohan Bhat, Sumathi Hegde, Leeladhar Devadiga, Enakshi, Renuka among others were present on the dais.
Employees and activists of Agrigold Farms assisted in the tree – planting work, as part of a MCC Vanamahotsava. The planting was, preceded by a procession of AG members from Jyothi Circle to the Central Maidan